2018 FIFA U-20 WWC: Japan power past England to reach final

Paris, France (PANA) - First-half goals by Riko Ueki and Jun Endo earned Japan a 2-0 victory over England on Monday, and with it, a place in the final of the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup France 2018.

On a sunny afternoon at the Stade de la Rabine, it was the young Japanese who impressed in a first-half display, despite England’s Chloe Kelly creating the first chance of the match that Japan goalkeeper Hannah Stambaugh did well to save after just two minutes.

According to a story on FIFA website, It proved the best opportunity of the first half for Mo Marley’s side, as Japan then took control of the contest.

Following chances from Endo and Saori Takarada, Ueki scored her fifth goal of the tournament with a low right-footed shot after turning past England defender Anna Patten in the opposition’s box on 22 minutes.

Japan then doubled their lead five minutes later, as Endo scored her second goal in as many games when she headed into an empty net on the rebound after Hinata Miyazawa powered a fine strike off the England crossbar.

The Young Nadeshiko, as the Japanese are called, were then unlucky not to extend their lead further on 34 minutes after Fuka Nagano hit the post with a curling finish from close range.

England’s efforts to get back into the match proved a frustrating cause for the Young Lionesses, as Japan’s organisation and work rate to close them down proved telling to the outcome of this semi-final clash.

A powerful Georgia Stanway strike was England’s best chance after the break.

Victory for Futoshi Ikeda’s side is Japan’s maiden appearance in the final of this competition.

The second semi-final match is being played now between France and Spain.
-0- PANA VAO/AR 20Aug2018